13 Questions to Ask When Selecting a Home Care Agency for a Loved One

1. Does the agency drug screen their employees?
2. Does the agency do a complete orientation?
3. Does the agency do license verification?
4. Does the agency do criminal checks?
5. Does the agency train and supervise their employees?
6. Does the agency have a scheduler and Nursing Supervisor on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week?
7. Is an assessment done to determine what care should be provided before the start of service?
8. Is the caregiver the agency's employee? Does the agency take care of insurance, payroll taxes and worker's compensation costs?
9. Who takes care of an injured employee?
   
   REMEMBER: If the agency you select does not cover employee costs, the client may be held responsible for employee taxes and may also be responsible for other liabilities if the employee is injured.
10. Do you speak to a live voice when you call the office or do you get an answering service?
11. Does the agency direct bill an insurance company?
12. Does the agency provide transportation for the client to doctor's appointments, hair appointments, etc.?
13. Does the agency provide all levels of care and employ caregivers of all skill levels?